Getting fit is on everyone’s list. But between work, children and having a social life, it’s difficult to find the time to get to the gym. Then there’s the cost. Many gym fees are high and they tend to lock you in. This means that if you get busy or go on holidays or are otherwise unable to get to your gym, you still have to pay. The answer may be to invest in a home gym. Personal trainer, Del Byron has set up a number of home gyms. She has used them to train herself and her clients. She said setting up a home gym doesn’t have to be expensive, but you will need to dedicate some space in order to stay safe and motivated. Perhaps you have a spare bedroom, or a corner in the garage – wherever you put your gym gear, Del advised giving your gym a proper space so you’re more likely to use it and so there is enough room to safely exercise. “To begin with, I’d invest in a bar and some weights – these don’t have to be the most expensive version, just something good quality that you can use for weight training. “I’d also try and find a heavy ball you can use as a medicine ball, a sturdy box you can jump on and a well fitting pair of joggers.” “From there, all you need is a bit of music and a workout plan and you’re set.” There are a number of products on the market for home gyms. You can order complete home gym sets from suppliers that include squat racks, pull up bars, ropes for climbing as well as all the accessories that come with it. Many suppliers even offer soft fall flooring to keep your equipment (and floors) safe. Just make sure your flooring can handle the weight of the equipment and the constant bouncing and jumping you will be doing. The concrete floor of a garage is perfect. The beauty of a home gym is that it’s open 24 hours and after the initial cost of set-up, it’s completely free. Del advised making sure you have some space to warm up and cool down. “It’s important to stretch before and after a workout so make sure you have space for this or you’ll be more likely to skip it. Have a yoga mat or soft flooring somewhere so you don’t hurt yourself while you stretch.” She also suggested that your home gym space is close to an outside space. “When the weather is nice, you can alternate between inside and out – the variety will keep you motivated. Although there is more equipment available at a gym, Del say’s that in her 25 years experience, she’s found it’s not fancy equipment that gives you the best workout. “Find a mate to workout with and you’re more likely to stay motivated and reach your fitness goals.”

Setting up your home gym

Get moving: Your home gym can be located anywhere you have some spare room. All you need is enough space to work out safely and a desire to get into shape.

Getting fit is on everyone’s list.

But between work, children and having a social life, it’s difficult to find the time to get to the gym.

Then there’s the cost.

Many gym fees are high and they tend to lock you in. This means that if you get busy or go on holidays or are otherwise unable to get to your gym, you still have to pay.

The answer may be to invest in a home gym.

Personal trainer, Del Byron has set up a number of home gyms.

She has used them to train herself and her clients.

She said setting up a home gym doesn’t have to be expensive, but you will need to dedicate some space in order to stay safe and motivated.

Perhaps you have a spare bedroom, or a corner in the garage – wherever you put your gym gear, Del advised giving your gym a proper space so you’re more likely to use it and so there is enough room to safely exercise.

“To begin with, I’d invest in a bar and some weights – these don’t have to be the most expensive version, just something good quality that you can use for weight training.

“I’d also try and find a heavy ball you can use as a medicine ball, a sturdy box you can jump on and a well fitting pair of joggers.”

“From there, all you need is a bit of music and a workout plan and you’re set.”

There are a number of products on the market for home gyms.

You can order complete home gym sets from suppliers that include squat racks, pull up bars, ropes for climbing as well as all the accessories that come with it.

Just make sure your flooring can handle the weight of the equipment and the constant bouncing and jumping you will be doing.

The concrete floor of a garage is perfect.

The beauty of a home gym is that it’s open 24 hours and after the initial cost of set-up, it’s completely free.

Del advised making sure you have some space to warm up and cool down. “It’s important to stretch before and after a workout so make sure you have space for this or you’ll be more likely to skip it. Have a yoga mat or soft flooring somewhere so you don’t hurt yourself while you stretch.”

She also suggested that your home gym space is close to an outside space.

“When the weather is nice, you can alternate between inside and out – the variety will keep you motivated.

Although there is more equipment available at a gym, Del say’s that in her 25 years experience, she’s found it’s not fancy equipment that gives you the best workout.

“Find a mate to workout with and you’re more likely to stay motivated and reach your fitness goals.”